Kauri Mountain Awarua Rocks - Poor Knights Islands

Middle Riff might not get the same hype as some of Bali's more famous sites, but we’re big fans of its quiet charm. It’s a gentle slope, starting around 3m and topping out at 21m, making it a very relaxed dive. We’ve found it’s usually current-free, which is a real bonus for divers who like to take their time and really soak it all in. What we love here is the sheer density of coral, especially the staghorn and table corals. They create these intricate labyrinths that are just begging for a closer look. You'll often spot Gardiner's Headshield Slugs making their way across the sand patches, and the halodule beds are always worth a peek for pipefish or even a flathead. We’ve had some fantastic luck here with small critters – plenty of pygmy-gobies and those bright orange convict reefgobies. Visibility hovers around 15m, which feels absolutely fine when you're focused on the details. It's a great spot for macro photographers, or anyone who just wants a peaceful dive surrounded by healthy reef.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.784700, 174.558500
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Bream Islands

Best Time to Dive in Poor Knights Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Poor Knights Islands occur in February, averaging 21.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 15.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C
  • February: 21.9°C
  • March: 21.7°C
  • April: 20.6°C
  • May: 19.1°C
  • June: 17.6°C
  • July: 16.5°C
  • August: 15.8°C
  • September: 15.9°C
  • October: 16.6°C
  • November: 18.2°C
  • December: 19.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Poor Knights Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Kauri Mountain Awarua Rocks

Marine Life in Poor Knights Islands

Home to 84 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 other, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Kauri Mountain Awarua Rocks

Based on average water temperature of 18.8°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories